Flood — San Bernardino, California

2010-12-19 to 2010-12-22 · near Mt Baldy, San Bernardino, California

Event narrative

San Bernardino County was the hardest hit county in California in terms of amount of damage due to the heavy rain at the end of December. County officials put the total damage amount (including public and private property of all types and labor to repair damage) at approximately $97 million. Both state and federal money will be available to help those affected.

Highway 395 at Highway 18 completely flooded with several stalled vehicles. Eastbound Highway 138 just west of LA County line has mud, debris and water across all lanes. Highway 18, west of Sheep Creek road is closed, as well as Koala Road between Rancho and El Mirage, due to flooding.

Wider weather episode

A large Pacific plume of moisture ahead of an advancing trough of low pressure brought heavy rain and periods of serious flooding for nearly a week. The plume of moisture responsible was a form of an Atmospheric River. The mountain areas, particularly the San Bernardino range, experienced record large rainfall totals and many areas of flash flooding, debris flows and mud slides. Most rivers in the county warning area reached flood stage. Other effects include numerous traffic collisions, roadway flooding and closures, swift water rescues, beach closures and millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Along with numerous city and governor-declared States of Emergency, President Obama proclaimed a Federal disaster declaration for 10 counties in California, including all four counties comprising the SGX CWA.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.2213, -117.6910)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 272612. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.